Kiefer Sutherland dons dress for TV interview

TV tough guy Kiefer Sutherland showed off his feminine side during a televised interview on Wednesday wearing a woman’s dress in front of millions of viewers after losing a sports bet with a pal.

The “24” star, who plays Jack Bauer in the hit TV series, made an appearance on an episode of “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and stunned the host by walking on wearing an unflattering green paisley frock, teamed with bare legs and army boots.

Sutherland apologized to Letterman and blamed his unusual attire on an unwise bet with a friend over a football game last weekend.

He says, “I lost a bet, over the weekend I was so sure that the New England (Patriots) was going to win (against the Baltimore Ravens) that I told a guy who used to be my friend that if New England lost, I’d wear a dress on Letterman. So here I am … it’s quite slimming.

“You should have seen me shopping for this thing today. I walked into a store and said, ‘I’m shopping for a big gal …’ and the lady said, ‘How big?’ and I said, ‘Well … kinda my size. Do you mind if I try it on?’ I got a little nervous. The guy who I made the bet with … this is the end of our friendship.”

And Letterman was so amused by his guest’s bravado, he offered Sutherland $1,000 to ride the subway in his new clothes.

The actor retorted: “I have to say, riding the subway would probably be easier than what I’m going through right now. This might be the most humiliating moment of my life and I’ve had a couple of them to choose from. Not looking really butch now, am I? I’d like to apologize to my mom and my dad … and any friends I have left out there…”